New “smart tags” could help determine when food goes bad

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Soon, Americans may not have to depend on those expiration dates printed on the package. It’s estimated the average American family throws out more than $2,000 worth of food every year.

Now, a Chinese researcher has developed a food “smart tag.” It’s a gel-based temperature-sensitive tag that’s placed on the packaging. The color changes over time and mimics the rate at which food goes from fresh to foul. The tags could be a little confusing at first. A red tag means the food is good, while a green tag means the food is spoiled.